The short answer
- Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the UAE and Qatar have mutual visa exemption with China: up to 30 days per entry.
- Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Brunei are on China's unilateral visa-free list until 31 December 2026: up to 30 days.
- Indonesian passports still need a visa, except for 240-hour transit.
- Allowed purposes: tourism, business, family visits, exchanges and transit. Work, study and journalism need a visa.
- Thai passports: no more than 90 days in total in any 180 days.
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Entry rules by passport
This table covers ordinary passports for short visits to mainland China. Hong Kong and Macau have separate rules.
| Passport | Basis | Stay | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand | Mutual visa exemption | 30 days per entry; max 90 days in any 180 days | Since 1 Mar 2024, no end date |
| Singapore | Mutual visa exemption | 30 days per entry | Since 9 Feb 2024, no end date |
| Malaysia | Mutual visa exemption | 30 days per entry | Since 17 Jul 2025, no end date |
| Brunei | China's unilateral visa-free policy | 30 days | Until 31 Dec 2026 |
| United Arab Emirates | Mutual visa exemption | 30 days per entry | In force since 2018 |
| Qatar | Mutual visa exemption | 30 days per entry | In force since 2018 |
| Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain | China's unilateral visa-free policy | 30 days | Until 31 Dec 2026 |
| Indonesia | Visa required; 240-hour visa-free transit available | Up to 10 days in transit, onward ticket to a third country | Transit since 12 Jun 2025 |
| Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar | Visa usually required for mainland China | — | Check embassy; Hainan has its own scheme |
What you can and cannot do visa-free
| Allowed without a visa | Needs a visa in advance |
|---|---|
| Tourism and sightseeing | Working or being employed in China |
| Business meetings, trade fairs, factory visits | Studying |
| Visiting family and friends | Journalism and news reporting |
| Exchange visits | Staying longer than the permitted period |
| Transit | Other activities that need prior approval |
What to have ready at the border
- An ordinary passport with plenty of validity. Airlines commonly expect at least six months.
- A return or onward ticket that leaves within your permitted stay.
- Your first hotel address in Chinese and English.
- The arrival card, completed on paper or online where available.
- For business trips, the invitation or meeting details, in case the officer asks why you are visiting.
Registering where you stay
Foreign visitors must register their accommodation with the local police. Hotels do this for you at check-in using your passport. If you stay in a private home, you or your host must register at the local police station, normally within 24 hours of arrival in cities.
The 240-hour transit option
If your passport is not visa-free but is on the list of 55 countries eligible for 240-hour visa-free transit, you can stay up to 10 days when travelling through China to a third country or region. You need a confirmed onward ticket, you must enter and leave through designated ports, and you must stay within the permitted areas. Indonesia was added to the list on 12 June 2025.
Questions
How long can Thai citizens stay in China without a visa?
Up to 30 days per entry, and no more than 90 days in total in any 180-day period. This comes from the China–Thailand mutual visa exemption agreement, in force since 1 March 2024 for ordinary passports.
Can I attend business meetings or the Canton Fair visa-free?
Yes. Visa-free entry covers business visits such as meetings and trade fairs, as well as tourism, family visits and exchanges. Working for a Chinese employer, studying and journalism need the right visa.
Can Saudi, Omani, Kuwaiti and Bahraini citizens visit China visa-free?
Yes. They are covered by China's unilateral visa-free policy, which allows stays of up to 30 days for business, tourism, family visits, exchanges and transit. China has extended this policy to 31 December 2026.
Do UAE and Qatar citizens need a visa for China?
No, not for short visits. Both countries have mutual visa exemption agreements with China that allow ordinary passport holders to stay up to 30 days per entry.
What if I want to stay longer than 30 days?
Apply for the appropriate visa at a Chinese embassy or consulate before you travel. Visa-free entry cannot simply be extended because you need more time.
What is the 240-hour visa-free transit?
Citizens of 55 eligible countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, the UAE and Qatar, can stay up to 240 hours (10 days) in designated areas when travelling through China to a third country or region with a confirmed onward ticket.
Rules change. We re-check this guide regularly; confirm details before you travel or ship.
